16 Things You Need To Know Before Getting An IUD

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By Rachel Grumman Bender - SELF
January 27, 2016

“6. Not everyone is a candidate for an IUD.

Certain health conditions can preclude you from getting one, including if you've had a pelvic infection after childbirth or an abortion in the past three months, according to Planned Parenthood. So it's best to speak with your gyno to make sure that IUDs are right for you.

“7. Getting one put in hurts—sometimes a lot.

The discomfort level of having an IUD placed runs the gamut from mild cramping that lasts for a few minutes to painful, knock-your-socks-off cramps that lasts throughout the day. “Some women say after, 'That was truly nothing,’ and others say, ‘That was horrible,’” says Streicher. Taking a couple of Advil 45 minutes to one hour before coming in for an IUD helps, according to Streicher. (FWIW, getting it removed is a lot faster, easier and less painful.)”

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